Riesling is enjoying a renaissance according to USA Today, “the old fashion way”, without the help of a blockbuster movie like ‘Sideways’ to boost sales. An article in USA Today on Friday, ‘Riesling would like your attention, please’, states that Riesling has become the fastest-growing white wine in terms of sales mainly due to level of investments of wineries and the affordability of the wines.
This is exactly what I discovered with the Chateau St. Michelle (see review, In Review: 2007 Chateau Ste Michelle Columbia Valley Riesling – A White Wine Bargain) one of the Rieslings they include in their wine list.
Washington state is the center of production for the varietal followed by California, New York and Oregon.
One of the myths that inhibited Riesling sales in the past was the perception it was always sweet and simple. In reality it can be found in many different styles, and is adding some excitement to the wine industry.
[USA Today Article archive link]